Michael Sinnott

Michael Hayes Sinnott, age 81, died on March 2, 2026 at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic following a lengthy illness.

Born Michael Hayes Gaw on February 18, 1945 at Mason City, Iowa, the son of Philip Hayes Gaw and Charlotte Irene Clay Gaw, he was later adopted by Stepfather Robert Sinnott of Mason City. Michael Hayes Sinnott attended Mason City High School, North Iowa Area Community College and the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.

In 1969, Michael Hayes Sinnott located in Cedar Rapids and was employed by Mays Drug Stores. He married Dalene Janson Braden of Webster City on September 18, 1971, making their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

He operated pharmacies in Eastern Iowa for thirty-five years; own and ran The Medicine Shoppe before retiring. During his years working at Cedar Rapids, he was an avid golfer as a member of The Elmcrest Country Club. He was a faithful member of The First Lutheran Church. He was an active member of The Leadership for Five Seasons Civic Organization, helping lead younger Cedar Rapids citizens into positions of responsibility. His most enjoyable community endeavor turned into an international enterprise, Rotary Club International. As an organizing member of the Cedar Rapids Chapter of Rotary Club International, Mr. Sinnott helped recruit and lead other Rotarians from Iowa and around the globe to learn the daily Rotary Club way of “Service Above Self“ and “Trust, Fairness, Respect to All”. These Rotarians became lifelong friends from twenty different countries.

During his retirement years, Michael Sinnott furnished services to Pearson Educational Assessments of London, England and Iowa City, Iowa. He also served on the Linn County Board of Elections prior to and during voting seasons.

Mr. Sinnott is survived by his wife, Dalene Sinnott; two sons, Michael Sinnott Jr. and Matthew Sinnott; two grandchildren, Stella Sinnott and Mikey Sinnott, all of Cedar Rapids; and one brother, William Sinnott of Waterloo, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Michelle Janson Sinnott, a brother Danny Phillip Sinnott, as well as his parents and grandparents.

Visitation and Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, IA at 10 AM with the service starting at 11AM and a lunch to follow the service. A private family burial was held at Graceland Cemetery in Webster City, IA.